An absolutely gripping page turner. Heartbreaking at times with all its twists and turns. It was compelling reading from the very beginning. A hard read at times. It was a beautifully constructed story and you just don't know what is coming next. the story of Jozef and Adi was heartbreaking. The twist at the end was surprising - I never saw that coming. This book will live with me for a long time.

Have you read The Rainbow or The Watchmaker of Dachau? If so, you’ll know then that I was mesmerised as the threads of wartime Germany were fused with those of 1950s America to produce a heartbreaking examination into the value of friendship. This book may very well stand in my top 5 historical fiction of 2022 and has confirmed my reliance on Schabowski as a trusted author.

Author Carly Schabowski explores the bonds of a close friendship to discover if they can withstand time and circumstance. She implores readers to take every opportunity provided to cultivate and value friendships because there may come a day when we have run out of time and opportunity and we will be glad to rely on our solid foundation of friendship.

If I were to ask you to define the word ‘friend,’ you would probably tell me that it’s someone who stands up for you and, when others try to hurt you emotionally or physically, this person will do everything they can to make sure you stay safe. You’d probably tell me that they wouldn't care who is trying to harm you; they would defend you anytime, anywhere.

In the WW2 timeline, set in Germany, Jozef, Bruno and Adi were inseparable growing up. When Jozef and Adi married, they lost touch with Bruno. Little did they know that he never forgot the kindness and friendship shown to him when he needed it most. Now in wartime, lines were drawn in the sand and their childhood friendship was tested. You’ll have to read to discover if the bond was strong enough to withstand the greatest test ever imaginable.

In the 1950s timeline, set in South Carolina, 13-year-old Alice befriends an outcast neighbour, The German, who teaches her what it means to be a friend. When a teenage girl dies, the neighbourhood looks for a scapegoat and Alice, who already is bearing too heavy a burden, must trust her instincts and her new friend’s advice.

Schabowski’s writing always makes me feel that I’m listening to a good friend share from the heart over a good coffee and slice of pie. The characters faced some harsh realities and yet Schabowski was able to get me to focus on the point of her story rather than the horrific details. As I read, I was reminded of Boo Radley - an outcast who nobody wants to get to know and therefore he remains shrouded in mystery. Any time something went wrong in Maycomb, it was attributed to Boo. Thank goodness for Jem and Scout, who, like Alice, befriended an outcast and discovered for themselves the truth. The German, like Boo, symbolizes intolerance, inequality, courage and empathy. Remember the paragraph defining a ‘friend’? After reading this book, ask yourself which of the 4 characters (Adi, Bruno, Jozef, Alice) displayed the qualities of a true friend.

Schabowski’s story is inspired by true events and is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.

I was gifted this advance copy by Carly Schabowski, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Amazing... a book that I could easily recommend to almost anyone.
A girl finds herself getting close to one of her neighbors, a German refugee who is always alone. And while her town is haunted by a c criminal investigation he tells her his story. A story of a man who had to endure persecution, precarious situation, and heartbreak of all kinds.
An amazing tale of how stories can bring people together. How talking brings you closer to others. The mixture of stories and narrations is incredibly done. Characters who steal your heart in an instant. A book that would make you tear up with sadness and joy.
A story of friendship, survival, of facing the weight of your choices. A book in which I enjoyed every single page.

The Note depicts an unconventional friendship between Jozef and Alice. Alice is 13 and strikes up a friendship with the German guy who reveals his story to her. It’s a touching, compelling story, one that left me sad and thoughtful.
Sometimes terrible choices must be made in life and this book addresses the consequences of making such choices.

A heartbreaking World War Two tale, taking you from the barbed wire of Auschwitz to a sweltering South Carolina summer. The author’s style places the reader in the book in each scene for an entertaining and heartbreaking journey. Awe-inspiring . . . The characters are so well drawn and the storytelling so well paced, I couldn’t put it down. This is definitely one of those special books that I will keep on my shelves to go back to and reread. It says a lot that I am still thinking about this book a few days after finishing it - I will definitely be recommending this one! A gripping read and easy five stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OH MY GOSH this book BROKE me. It was so beautifully written with well developed characters and a storyline that although set in a period that is written about a lot it didnt feel recycled or similar to others. this book was so captivating and engaging and at the same time it was so beautifully heartbreaking, I found myself crying tears, and I mean ugly tears several times. this book was completely devastating but in a really good way. It has a very strong place in my heart and will be there for a long time, I am willing to hand it a blankie and snacks and whatever it needs to stay cosy and safe in my heart.
I cannot reccommend this book enough please read it. I need more of this author in my life like yesterday.